KIDDERMINSTER kickboxer Drew Neal won his ninth consecutive national title at the WAKO British championships.

The 28-year-old saw off close friend and team-mate Owen Kings to win the under-79 kilogram final at Nottingham.

"I won comfortably in the end but it wasn't an easy one. I am friends with Owen and that made it difficult," said Neal.

"I'm not sure that winning nine titles in a row is a record but I know that nobody has achieved it for several decades at least, so it's a big achievement."

Neal dropped down from his normal 84kg weight category in a bid to take on some different fighters and won his first four fights to secure a place in the final.

But he faced a stiffer challenge against Notthingham-based Kings in front of a home crowd but eventually saw off his opponent.

Victory means Neal is in good shape for the European Championships in Bulgaria later in the year.

He won the title in 2006 but was unable to defend it after being laid low by a serious knee injury last year.

Neal said: "I feel in good shape for the European Championships and I think I am back to my best after the disruption of the injury. I am determined to try and win back the European title."

Neal also teaches kickboxing to people aged four and above, for more information call him on 07976 714641.